The Oasis Centre in Worksop, following the award of an Arts and Heritage Grant, is working with Bassetlaw Museum to celebrate the district’s mining legacy and the impact of their closure.
A new mining heritage project is being launched called Black Dust; Bright Stories and aims to capture memories, testimonies, photographs and artefacts from across the district.
The project is looking for local people to get involved, from former miners to their partners and other family members, with plans for exhibitions and displays at Bassetlaw Museum in Retford and a book.
Steve Williams, Oasis Manager and Pastor said: “We care about the real lives and stories of people in our Bassetlaw community. Looking back many people gave their lives in the coal mining industry working in and around local pits.
“It is an extraordinary legacy which needs to be not only captured and remembered but also celebrated.
“We want to capture the stories of miners and their families and find ways of celebrating the amazing story of mining the black gold beneath and pass on the amazing history which made our communities great.”
A meeting is taking place at The Oasis Centre in Worksop on 20th November between 1pm and 3pm for a coffee and a chat for volunteers who would like to find out more about how to get involved.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place said: “"I hope members of the community will come forward to share their memories and artefacts as we celebrate the rich mining heritage of our district.
“I am looking forward to seeing the project unfold over the coming year, as it preserves a vital part of our past for future generations to learn from."
The project has received £5k from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Arts and Heritage monies, along with Museum Development Midlands funding.
For further information contact The Oasis Centre, Worksop or Bassetlaw Museum.
Last Updated on Friday, November 14, 2025